Cheat sheet
Alertness & Attitude
Observation, anticipation, concentration and the considerate driving attitudes the DVSA theory test asks about most.
The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Car Theory Test.
Download on theApp StoreStopping distances in the UK
- ◆ Overall stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance.
- ◆ At 20 mph: 12 metres (3 car lengths).
- ◆ At 30 mph: 23 metres (6 car lengths).
- ◆ At 40 mph: 36 metres (9 car lengths).
- ◆ At 50 mph: 53 metres (13 car lengths).
- ◆ At 60 mph: 73 metres (18 car lengths).
- ◆ At 70 mph: 96 metres (24 car lengths).
The hazard perception test
- ◆ The hazard perception test is a separate part, taken straight after the multiple-choice questions.
- ◆ You watch 14 video clips, each about one minute long, filmed from a driver’s view.
- ◆ There are 15 scoreable hazards -- one clip contains two.
- ◆ Click the mouse (or tap) as soon as you see a developing hazard; the earlier you spot it, the more points (up to 5 per hazard).
- ◆ The pass mark for cars is 44 out of 75.
The two-second rule
- ◆ In good, dry conditions leave at least a two-second gap to the vehicle ahead.
- ◆ Pick a fixed point such as a sign, then say "only a fool breaks the two-second rule".
- ◆ If you reach the point before you finish saying it, you are too close.
- ◆ Double the gap to at least four seconds in the wet.
- ◆ Leave up to ten times the gap on icy roads.
Sharing the road with vulnerable road users
- ◆ The hierarchy of road users places the greatest responsibility on those who can do the most harm.
- ◆ Give cyclists and horse riders plenty of room when overtaking -- at least 1.5 metres for cyclists at lower speeds.
- ◆ Check for cyclists and motorcyclists in your blind spot, especially before turning left.
- ◆ Pass horses slowly and quietly, and be ready to stop.
- ◆ Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction you are turning into.
Being fit to drive
- ◆ You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (with glasses or lenses if you wear them).
- ◆ If you feel sleepy, stop somewhere safe and rest -- on a motorway, leave at a service area.
- ◆ Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness; check the label.
- ◆ Driving under the influence of drugs, legal or illegal, is an offence.
- ◆ Tell the DVLA about any medical condition that could affect your driving.
Mobile phones and driver distractions
- ◆ It is illegal to hold and use a phone or sat-nav while driving or while stopped with the engine on.
- ◆ The penalty is 6 penalty points and a fine, even for a quick check.
- ◆ For a new driver, 6 points within the first two years means losing your licence.
- ◆ You may only use a phone hands-free, and even then it can dangerously distract you.
- ◆ Pull over and stop somewhere safe and legal if you need to make a call or set a route.
Concentration, anticipation and attitude
- ◆ Anticipate how the road and other users may behave so you are never caught out.
- ◆ Keep your full attention on driving and deal with distractions before you set off.
- ◆ Stay calm and do not react to aggressive or impatient drivers.
- ◆ Never use your vehicle to retaliate or "teach a lesson" -- that is dangerous and illegal.
- ◆ If you feel angry or stressed, slow down, breathe and let the feeling pass before driving on.